Singer-songwriter Emma Stevens, from Eskasoni First Nation in Nova Scotia, is an artist whose music and activism are intertwined with her Mi’kmaq heritage. Rooted deeply in her native language and cultural traditions, Emma’s work celebrates the strength and resilience of her people by merging traditional Mi’kmaq themes with contemporary musical influences. Emma’s talent has graced international stages, with performances at major festivals and significant events, including multiple United Nations gatherings where she passionately advocated for indigenous rights and cultural preservation. Her impactful work has garnered recognition from global leaders and notable artists such as Paul McCartney. Emma is the youth ambassador for “The Empower Youth Music Project”, a new collective dedicated to empowering youth through art and music. Emma recently represented The EYM Project at world forums in Mexico and Egypt.

Carter Chiasson is an educator and musician with decades of experience working in the arts, culture, and education. In 2014, Carter transitioned from performing and production work into the classroom, where he has since spent more than a decade working closely with First Nations youth. Through this work, he has led original music and film projects that have been featured on national and international stages, including collaborations with the National Arts Centre, performances at multiple United Nations events, appearances at the Pan American Games in Peru, and on festival stages in Canada and Europe. Carter is recipient of the 2020 MusiCounts JUNO award for Music Teacher of the Year in Canada. In 2025, he founded Empower Youth Music, an initiative dedicated to empowering young artists through innovative projects that celebrate cultural identity and address social issues.